Swiatek cruises past Kostyuk to reach Indian Wells final

Iga Swiatek is one win away from a second BNP Paribas Open title after she made quick work of Marta Kostuk 6-2, 6-1. Swiatek dominated the first semi-final in just one hour and nine minutes.

Kostyuk had not dropped a single set this fortnight, but she ran into a whole different beast of an opponent in Swiatek. The world No 1, who lifted the Indian Wells trophy in 2022 and advanced to the semi-finals last spring, finished with a mere six unforced errors. She dropped only 10 service points in the entire contest and never faced a break point.

Swiatek’s fifth break of the day at 5-1 in the second set finishing things off in style.

“For sure I’m proud of myself and really excited,” she commented. “I think it was a great match for me today. I have all positive vibes.”

The top-seeded Pole will face Maria Sakkari for the title on Sunday.

Swiatek 9-1 all time against Gauff, 2-3 against Sakkari

Earlier in the tournament Swiatek defeated American Danielle Collins (6-3, 6-0), No 26 seed Linda Noskova (6-4, 6-0), Kazakh Yulia Putintseva (6-1, 6-2) and Danish wild card Caroline Wozniacki (6-4, 1-0, ret.).

The 22-year-old is 9-1 lifetime against Gauff, with her only losses coming in a three-setter during semi-final competition in Cincinnati last summer. Although Swiatek would be an even bigger favorite if her opponent is Sakkari, the Greek actually leads their head-to-head series 3-2. However, Swiatek has won two in a row — including in the Indian Wells final two years ago.

Kostyuk, ranked No 32, advanced to the semis in the desert with wins over Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama (6-4, 6-2), No 7 seed Marketa Vondrousova (via walkover), Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the No 22 seed (6-4, 6-1) and Russian Anastasia Potapova, the No 28 seed (6-0, 7-5).

Indian Wells WTA 1000, other semi-final result:

• Coco Gauff vs. Maria Sakkari

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